Raheem Sterling has returned to England training in Qatar ahead of Saturday’s World Cup 2022 quarter-final with France at the Al Bayt Stadium, although he is unlikely to start for the Three Lions.
The 28-year-old was a last-minute scratch from the team to face Senegal in the last 16 due to a “family issue,” but the Three Lions won 3-0 in his absence.
The same evening, Sterling’s Surrey home was broken into, forcing the Chelsea striker to return home out of fear for his children’s safety.
Southgate did not put Sterling under any pressure to return for the rest of England’s World Cup campaign, but he has now rejoined the squad in Al Wakrah and was spotted in training on Friday.
The former Manchester City man is set to be available for selection when the Three Lions face Les Bleus on Saturday evening, though Southgate has hinted that Sterling may not be ready to start.
Great to have you back, @sterling7! 👊 pic.twitter.com/4a95bNMVzG
— England (@England) December 9, 2022
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“We will have to assess that. He has missed a lot of training and had two long flights. That is not good preparation for a game of this standard but let’s see how he is,” Southgate told ITV Sport.
“He has felt the need to support his family and to be there for his family and that is a simple decision for me – I have to support the player. There are moments for every individual where family becomes most important. I’m always supportive of that.
“Of course I want the best players available and want to win football matches but as a manager you have to recognise there are certain moments in people’s lives that are more important at that particular time.”
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